The Wisdom of Jesus the Son of Sirach, or Ecclesiasticus

Chapter 17

1The Lord created mankind out of earth, and turned them back to it again. 2He gave them days by number, and a set time, and gave them authority over the things that are on it. 3He endowed them with strength proper to them, and made them according to his own image. 4He put the fear of man upon all flesh, and gave him dominion over beasts and birds. 5He gave them counsel, tongue, eyes, ears, and heart to have understanding. 6He filled them with the knowledge of wisdom, and showed them good and evil. 7He set his eye upon their hearts, to show them the majesty of his works. 8And they will praise his holy name, that they may declare the majesty of his works. 9He added to them knowledge, and gave them a law of life for a heritage. 10He made an everlasting covenant with them, and showed them his decrees. 11Their eyes saw the majesty of his glory. Their ears heard the glory of his voice. 12He said to them, “Beware of all unrighteousness.” So he gave them commandment, each man concerning his neighbor. 13Their ways are ever before him. They will not be hidden from his eyes. 14For every nation he appointed a ruler, but Israel is the Lord’s portion. 15All their works are as clear as the sun before him. His eyes are continually upon their ways. 16Their iniquities are not hidden from him. All their sins are before the Lord. 17With him the alms of a man is as a signet. He will keep a man’s kindness as the pupil of the eye. 18Afterwards he will rise up and repay them, and render their repayment upon their head. 19However to those who repent he grants a return. He comforts those who are losing hope. 20Return to the Lord, and forsake sins. Make your prayer before his face offend less. 21Turn again to the Most High, and turn away from iniquity. Greatly hate the abominable thing. 22Who will give praise to the Most High in Hades, in place of the living who return thanks? 23Thanksgiving perishes from the dead, as from one who doesn’t exist. He who is in life and health will praise the Lord. 24How great is the mercy of the Lord, and his forgiveness to those who turn to him! 25For humans are not capable of everything, because the son of man is not immortal. 26What is brighter than the sun? Yet even this can be eclipsed. So flesh and blood devise evil. 27He looks upon the power of the height of heaven, while all men are earth and ashes.